Epson will unveil next week a new projector that will complete its 1080 p PowerLite projectors series. The new Home Cinema 1080 comes after Epson entered in the HD projector "game" by releasing earlier this year their first 1080p projector, the PowerLite Pro Cinema 1080.

The PowerLite Home Cinema 1080p is an "easy on the eyes" 3LCD, apparently the first projector of its kind to hit the $2,999 psychological price barrier. Even at this bargain basement price, you're still getting some nice specs. The projector boasts a 1920 x 1080 resolution, a 12,000:1 contrast ratio, along with the requisite HDMI 1.3 connectivity, and Epson's trademark "AccuCinema" lens system. The 1080's 14-lens system can display an image as large as 120 inches in the right room. So, stay away from kitchen walls if you really want to exceed your vision while watching that Matrix "reloading".

The new PowerLite also features HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) 1.3 input to support higher color depths from HD sources (adds additional support for new lossless digital audio format Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD). Apparently, the Powerlite Home Cinema is one of the few 1080 projectors that come with HDMI 1.3 input (also included in Epson's Pro Cinema 1080p). Thanks to the "Absolute Black Technology", the contrast ratio remains at a whooping 12,000:1 level. It also maintains the neat curvaceous design seen at Pro Cinema 1080.

The Home Cinema 1080 will be available in shops in April. The 3LCD system will probably be the cheapest 1080p projector selling for $2,999. Anyway, you have enough time to start saving some extra pennies.